Bewitching boo-quets start with pumpkins – by Diane Morey Sitton

Big as a harvest moon, small as a goblin’s grin, white as a ghost, or warty as a witch, pumpkins have never been more versatile. Folks not only display them on porches, stack them next to scarecrows and pile them into carts, they bake pumpkins into pies, brew them into coffee, carve them into Jack-o-lanterns and craft them into vases. Yes, vases!

Whether real or faux, a hollowed-out pumpkin makes a spell-binding container for showcasing flowers, foliage, grasses and other seasonal sensations. Better still, you can transform the pumpkin into a vase faster than a witch can cast a spell.

Start by visiting your local pumpkin patch, nursery or home improvement center to select just the right pumpkin. This time of year pumpkins are available everywhere … even grocery stores. Squatty, smooth-skinned pumpkins make great centerpieces. Warty, upright pumpkins add to the fright at costume parties. White pumpkins are elegant; orange pumpkins are fun; gnarly pumpkins are spooky. Like a witch’s cauldron, the pumpkin you select should be able to sit upright without wobbling.

Begin by placing the pumpkin on a sturdy work surface. Use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Next, draw a pattern around the stem using a marking pen. Carve out the opening with a sharp knife, hacksaw blade, or other cutting tool. Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Insert a jar or plastic container inside the pumpkin. Ideally, it should fit snugly and not protrude above the opening. Fill the container with water. Crafters recommend coating the cut edge of the pumpkin with Vaseline to seal in moisture and thwart decay.

In keeping with the seasonal vibe of a pumpkin vase, include sunflowers, chrysanthemums, goldenrod, salvia and dried hydrangea flower heads in your arrangement. Add oak leaves and other colorful fall foliage. Don’t overlook croton. Its mottled, spotted and striped foliage invigorates white pumpkins and complements orange pumpkins. Grasses and snips of ornamental kale add texture. Berry-laden sprigs of yaupon and holly make colorful fillers. Rosemary adds structure and fragrance. Intensify seasonal flair by adding dried corn shucks, small gourds, and seasonally-themed floral picks (scarecrows, crows, witches, etc).

Complete the bewitching boo-quet with a monstrous bow.

What better way to say, “Happy fall, y’all!”